Youth Competition Announcement - UK Junior Water Prize (UKJWP) 🎉

What is the competition?

This competition challenges secondary school students aged 15-18 across the UK to submit a scientific research project that addresses a water-related issue. It's a fantastic opportunity for young people in STEM to tackle one of the world’s most urgent challenges: the global water crisis.

Who's running it?🏃‍♀️

Organised by Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) in partnership with Arup and Jacobs.

What can the students win?🏆

The winning UK entry will represent the nation at the prestigious Stockholm Junior Water Prize in Sweden, with:

  • An all-expenses paid trip to World Water Week

  • A chance to win the grand prize of US$15,000

  • International recognition on a global stage alongside entries from 40 other countries.

Who can apply?📃

Applicants must be:

  • Aged 15–18

  • Based in the UK

  • In secondary education when the project was completed

  • Working individually or in a team of up to two co-applicants

Key dates🗓️

  • Deadline Tuesday 05 May (9:00am)

  • Jury interviews Week of 25 May, location TBC*

  • Winner notified 29 May

  • Winner announced 09 June at the Flood & Coast conference in Liverpool

  • International final 22–27 August*

*Applicants must be available on these dates (support will be provided to minimise clashes with exams).

Project journey🚣‍♀️

  1. Choose a research topic

  2. Develop a clear hypothesis

  3. Conduct experiments and analysis

  4. Submit a research paper (max. 20 pages) and summary (max. 200 words)

Shortlisted candidates will present their work to an expert jury, while the winner will go on to create a digital poster and one-minute video pitch for the international competition.

What participants gain💪

Experience

  • UK winner: fully funded trip to Stockholm for World Water Week

  • Shortlisted entrants: present to senior environmental professionals

  • Expert feedback from leading industry judges

  • Networking with peers and professionals

  • Invitation to attend Flood & Coast in Liverpool

Exposure

  • Represent the UK internationally

  • Feature interview in The Environment magazine

Please get in touch with awards@ciwem.org if you would like to learn more about the competition.

More information is found in the document here -